History in Costumes

The Outdoor Idaho team has always been interested in the history of Idaho, particularly the native tribes and their involvement with Lewis & Clark, as well as the mountain men and, later, the emigrants on the Oregon Trail. Idaho has a vibrant group of historical re-enactors, who can tell Idaho's story in ways that no one else can. We made them an integral part of our 30th Anniversary Celebration. And, just for fun, we threw in the SCA and the primitive technologists from Rabbitstick!

"They were men standing four-square upon their ancient heritage and their primitive rights," wrote Vardis Fisher, the author of Mountain Man; "and in their lusty power is recorded the early epic of Idaho's emergence from a wilderness of Indians and beasts."
Watch the Mountain Men & Trappers clip

School children learn that Lewis & Clark were the first white men to pass through what eventually became Idaho. Because the men kept journals, their story has survived the ages. But it should not surprise us that there's another side to that story.
Watch the Lewis & Clark and Idaho Tribes clip

In the 1840's men and women streamed west in covered wagons, desperate to find new lives for themselves. For emigrants on the Oregon Trail, it was a time of hardship, and many died along this pathway of pioneers.
Watch the Oregon Trail clip

Some historical re-enactors just want to have fun! Welcome to the chivalrous Middle Ages, but without the plague, and without really sharp swords! For these members of the SCA, medieval history holds a fascination that extends far beyond the battles.
Watch the Society for Creative Anachronism clip

At an annual gathering outside Rexburg, Idaho, called Rabbitstick, primitive technologists connect with their heritage by learning stone-age skills once common-place, like tanning hides and starting fires without a match.
Watch the Primitive Technologists clip